Medicine delivery and animal management systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed herein include devices for time release of measured quantities of an active ingredient and storage of animal management information. One embodiment disclosed herein releases an active ingredient, and then, at optionally varied intervals, releases additional doses into the same environment. The active ingredients are compartmentalized and, upon receiving an appropriate signal, open to dispense the active ingredient into the animal. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a device includes an engagement member to move a cap to dispense the active ingredient, and in another embodiment, includes a pellet that is attached to the cap to move the cap and dispense the active ingredient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/655,867, filed Apr. 11, 2018, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to devices forcontrolled release of a supplement or a medicine and/or storage ofanimal management information.

Description of the Related Art

A large number of grazing species of animals, including cattle, sheep,goats and deer are classified as ruminant animals. Such animals possessfour stomach compartments as part of their digestive system. Theseanimals rely largely on the digestion of grass and other nativevegetation for nutrients and sustenance. However, there are large tractsof grasslands throughout the world that are deficient in one or more ofthe mineral elements required by grazing animals.

A convenient way of supplying these animals with minerals, vitamins orother dietary or medicinal needs is by means of a bolus. A bolus is anobject containing and releasing the required supplement or medicine atthe required rate to improve or maintain the health of the animal. Sucha device is administered to the animal by mouth and lodges naturally (bymeans of being sufficiently dense or by being fitted with tags or wingswhich deploy after administration) in either of the first two stomachcompartments of the subject animal. Thereafter, the supplement ormedicament is released over a period of time influenced by the size,shape and constituent ingredients of the bolus. Many different bolusdesigns have been utilized to satisfy the particular needs of animals,especially sheep and cattle under different grazing conditions.

The use of boluses in the treatment of ruminants is well known in theveterinary field. Such products are often weighted by a heavy densitysubstance, such as iron or sand, in order to remain in the rumen torelease a medicament. If sustained release coatings are present, therelease is gradual until the source of medicine is exhausted.

However, such bolus designs are limited to sustained release and nottime controlled release. Thus, the supplement or medicine isadministered as required or at a generally constant rate over a limitedperiod of time. Further, the use of multiple drugs simultaneously, whichare not part of an approved combination, in a standard bolus wouldrequire significant testing and regulatory approval. As such, thecreation of certain combination drugs would require immense cost andtime for regulatory approval.

Additionally, the locations and other pertinent data of the ruminantanimals need to be tracked and stored. Conventional ways of trackingthese animals is with ear identification tags, RFID tags, or ruminalboluses. However, ear identification tags are only readable over a smallrange and require expensive readers, and RFID tags and ruminal bolusesare expensive.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a supplement or medicine deliverysystem and an animal management information storage device whichovercome the above described limitations.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include devices for delayed release of anactive ingredient. In one embodiment, a delayed delivery device caninclude a device enclosure, the device enclosure having one or moredevice enclosure walls that are fluidly sealed; an ingredient enclosurepositioned inside of the device enclosure, the ingredient enclosurehaving fluidly sealed walls and an opening, the ingredient enclosurefluidly sealed with the device enclosure walls to form a first chamberbetween the device enclosure and the ingredient enclosure; a cappositioned in the opening forming a second chamber, the second chamberhaving a pellet and an active ingredient positioned therein; anelectronic control device disposed in the first chamber, the electroniccontrol device comprising: a timer; a remotely operable activationswitch in electrical connection with the timer; a power source; and adischarge device in connection with the power source; and a power coilpositioned to deliver a magnetic field to the pellet, the power coilbeing electrically connected with the power source.

In another embodiment, a delayed delivery device can include aningredient enclosure comprising one or more ingredient enclosure walls,the ingredient enclosure walls being fluidly sealed, the ingredientenclosure walls forming an interior region and a delivery opening; aferromagnetic pellet positioned in the interior region; a cap forfluidly sealing the delivery opening; a device enclosure comprising oneor more device enclosure walls, the device enclosure walls forming asealed exterior region around at least a portion of the ingredientenclosure; a weight connected with the device enclosure, the weightbeing sufficient to retain the delayed delivery device in a rumen; anelectronic control device disposed in the sealed exterior region, theelectronic control device comprising: a timer; a remotely operableactivation switch in electrical connection with the timer; a powersource; and a discharge device in connection with the power source; anda power coil disposed around a portion of the ingredient enclosure, thepower coil being electrically connected with the power source.

In another embodiment, a delayed delivery device can include aningredient enclosure comprising one or more ingredient enclosure walls,the ingredient enclosure walls being fluidly sealed, the ingredientenclosure walls forming an interior region and a delivery opening; anactive ingredient in a dispersible form within the interior region; aferromagnetic pellet positioned in the interior region at a positiondistal from the delivery opening, such that the active ingredient isbetween the ferromagnetic pellet and the delivery opening; a cap fluidlysealing the delivery opening; a device enclosure comprising one or moredevice enclosure walls, the device enclosure walls forming a sealedexterior region around at least a portion of the ingredient enclosure; aweight connected with the device enclosure, the weight being sufficientto retain the delayed delivery device in a rumen and interspersed withinthe active ingredient; an electronic control device disposed in thedevice enclosure, the electronic control device comprising: a timer; aremotely operable magnetic switch in electrical connection with thetimer; a power source comprising a battery and a capacitor; and adischarge device in connection with the power source; a launch tubepositioned distal from the delivery opening; and a power coil disposedaround the launch tube, the power coil being electrically connected withthe power source through the discharge device.

In another embodiment, an animal management device is disclosed. Theanimal management device includes a base portion and a cap defining aninterior region, and an electronics portion at least partially disposedin the interior region. The electronics portion may include a shortrange transceiver for sending and receiving management information of ananimal, a computer processing unit having memory for storing themanagement information of the animal, and an antenna. The base portionmay comprise more than fifty percent of a length of the animalmanagement device. The cap and the base portion defining an interiorregion for housing the electronics portion.

In another embodiment, a method for animal management is disclosed. Themethod may include programming an animal management device to storeanimal management information, inserting the animal management deviceinto an animal, and transmitting a request to the animal managementdevice for the stored animal management information.

In another embodiment, a delayed ingredient device is disclosed. Thedelayed ingredient delivery device includes an enclosure defining aninterior region and a delivery opening; a cap removably inserted intothe delivery opening to seal the delivery opening; a pellet comprising aferromagnetic material and movably positioned in the interior region; anengagement member positioned between the pellet and the cap to move andengage the cap when the pellet moves in the interior region; anelectronic control device comprising a power source; and a power coilelectrically connected with the power source to generate a magneticfield and move the pellet in the interior region.

In another embodiment, a delayed ingredient device is disclosed. Thedelayed ingredient delivery device includes an enclosure defining aninterior region and a delivery opening; a cap removably inserted intothe delivery opening to seal the delivery opening; a pellet comprising aferromagnetic material connected to the cap and movably positioned inthe interior region; an electronic control device comprising a powersource; and a power coil electrically connected with the power source togenerate a magnetic field and move the pellet in the interior region.

In yet another embodiment, a delayed ingredient device is disclosed. Thedelayed ingredient delivery device includes an enclosure defining aninterior region and a delivery opening; a cap removably inserted intothe delivery opening to seal the delivery opening; a base platecomprising an aperture and positioned in the interior region to define apellet chamber and an ingredient chamber; a pellet movably positioned inthe pellet chamber; and an engagement member positioned between thepellet and the cap that extends through the aperture to move and engagethe cap when the pellet moves in the pellet chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toimplementations, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical implementations of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective implementations.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a delayed delivery device,according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2A is side view of a delayed delivery device, according toembodiments described herein.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the electronic control device,according to embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 3A-3C are side perspective views depicting a capsule unit,according to embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 4A-4D are side views of ingredient enclosures, according toembodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of delivering an activeingredient, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an animal management device,according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a method of animal management according toembodiments described herein.

FIGS. 8A-8D are side views depicting a delayed delivery device,according to embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 9A-9D are side views depicting a delayed delivery device,according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 is side view depicting a delayed delivery device, according toembodiments described herein.

FIGS. 11A-11C are side views depicting a delayed delivery device,according to embodiments described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are commonto the Figures. Additionally, elements of one implementation may beadvantageously adapted for utilization in other implementationsdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include devices for releasing measuredquantities of an active ingredient. One embodiment described hereinreleases an active ingredient, which is useful in the ruminant art,within a rumen or other portions of the gastrointestinal tract and,then, at optionally varied intervals, releases additional doses into thesame environment. The active ingredients are compartmentalized and, uponreceiving an appropriate signal, are expelled into the rumen of theanimal. The doses of active ingredient may be delivered simultaneously,sequentially, or independently. Further, the doses of active ingredientmay be the same active ingredient or different active ingredients, inany formulation.

The release regimen for an active ingredient using the embodimentsdescribed herein, therefore, comprises the release of a single dosageunit or a series of dosage units of the active ingredient. The dosageunits are released in timed increments rather than in a sustainedrelease pattern. This allows an effective treatment to be spread over alonger time span per space of dosage unit than many of the prior artsustained release products. Further, this timed release design allowsfor a full dose to be received at a specific time, rather than asaccumulated over a time period, as seen in a sustained release pattern.Embodiments disclosed herein are more clearly described with referenceto the figures below.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a delayed delivery device 100,according to embodiments described herein. The delayed delivery device100 comprises a device enclosure 102 and a plurality of ingredientenclosures 104. The device enclosure 102 and the ingredient enclosures104 are depicted as cylindrical, but may be of other shapes, as desiredby the operator. The device enclosure 102 contains the ingredientenclosure 104 and an electronic control device 106.

The device enclosure 102 can be one or more device enclosure walls ofnon-biodegradable composition. The device enclosure 102 can be any shapesuitable for pharmaceutical delivery. In one example, the deviceenclosure 102 is formed in a capsular or cylindrical shape. The deviceenclosure 102 can have one or more openings 108. The one or moreopenings 108 form a water tight seal. In one example, the one or moreopening 108 form a water tight seal in connection with a portion of theingredient enclosures 104. Further, the one or more openings 108 cancorrespond to the number of ingredient enclosures 104.

The ingredient enclosures 104 can also be a non-biodegradablecomposition. The ingredient enclosures 104 may be formed in acylindrical shape, each having an opening 110. The opening 110 is closedwith a removable water tight cap 216, such as a diaphragm, plug, cap orcover. The ingredient enclosure 104 and the caps 216 are described belowwith reference to FIG. 2A.

The outer dimensions of each delayed release assembly are, for example,from 100 mm to 200 mm in length, 20 mm to 50 mm in diameter with about a1 mm to 3 mm wall thickness. In one example, the overall size will beabout 30 mm diameter and about 125 mm in length. A whole bolus forruminant application will be from about 50 mm to 150 mm in length byabout 25 mm to 75 mm in diameter. The size of the product form isdictated by the number of doses, the dose volume, and the applicationfor which the delayed release of an active ingredient is to be used. Theabove embodiments are exemplary and not intended to be limiting ofpossible sizes.

The device enclosure 102 and the ingredient enclosures 104 can includeor be composed of a high molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylenepolymer. Also, a silicone elastomer may be used. Alternative wallmaterials are soft polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride,polysulfone, polymethylpentene, polyimide polymers or combinationsthereof. Non-organic materials include a corrosion resistant metal suchas stainless steel, a ceramic or a non-friable glass. The term“non-biodegradable” is used to indicate that the wall material isresistant to its target milieu, for example the rumen environment, overthe desired time of ingredient release.

The electronic control device 106 is positioned in the device enclosure102. The electronic control device 106 comprises one or more componentsthat can receive an external signal, initiate a timer and deliver atimed magnetic pulse. The timed magnetic pulse may be automatic. Thecomposition, operation and use of the electronic control device 106 aredescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a delayed delivery device 200, according toembodiments described herein. The delayed delivery device 200 includes adevice enclosure 202 and an ingredient enclosure 204. The deviceenclosure 202 contains the ingredient enclosure 204 and an electroniccontrol device 206. The ingredient enclosure 204 contains a pellet 208and a medicament 210. A power coil 212 is disposed around at least aportion of the ingredient enclosure 204. The ingredient enclosure 204further has a delivery opening 214. The delivery opening is sealed by acap 216.

The device enclosure 202 forms a water tight barrier around thecomponents of the delayed delivery device 200, including at least aportion of the ingredient enclosure 204, the power coil 212 and theelectronic control device 206. The device enclosure 202 can besubstantially similar to the device enclosure 102, as described withreference to FIG. 1.

The ingredient enclosure 204 can have a shape and compositionsubstantially similar to the ingredient enclosure 104 described withreference to FIG. 1. The ingredient enclosure 204 can be water tight,with the exception of the opening 214. The seal between the deviceenclosure 202 and the ingredient enclosure 204 maintains the opening ofthe ingredient enclosure 204 for receiving the cap 216, while closingoff the interior of the device enclosure 202. The seal between thedevice enclosure 202 and the ingredient enclosure 204 may be a gasketstyle seal or a permanent seal. The ingredient enclosure 204 includes acompartment for the storage of the medicament 210 and a cap 216positioned to seal the opening 214.

The ingredient enclosure 204 can be made of the same material as thatused for the device enclosure 202. The combination of the ingredientenclosure 204 and the cap 216 create a sealed chamber 218. The cap 216can be easily removed by internal pressure, such as the pressure of themedicament 210 against the cap 216. The cap 216 may be positioned inconnection with the opening 214 using adhesives, grooves to snap intoplace or other methods/devices for sealably connecting the cap. In oneembodiment, the cap 216 is a diaphragm, which may be held in place withadhesive or light crimping. At times, the cap 216 may have a lowerdurometer or hardness reading than that of the material used for theingredient enclosure 204. In another embodiment, the cap 216 is a simplecylindrical plug which is kept in place by external liquid pressure andadhesion to the ingredient enclosure 204. An internally arranged closureis illustrated in FIG. 4A; an externally arranged closure is illustratedin FIG. 4B.

The pellet 208 is positioned in the ingredient enclosure 204. The pellet208 includes a ferromagnetic material, such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni),cobalt (Co) and alloys thereof. The pellet 208 is shown as a cylinderwhich acts as a plunger to expel medicament. Other shapes which providethe same function are also contemplated, e.g., spheroid, rectangular orother shapes depending on the shape of the ingredient enclosure 204 andfunction desired. The pellet 208 may further include a protectivecoating. Protective coatings can include polymers, inert compounds orothers which would prevent digestion of the pellet 208.

The pellet 208 is shown positioned in the ingredient enclosure 204 atthe opposite end from the opening 214. The medicament 210 is positionedbetween the pellet 208 and the opening 214. When the pellet 208 receivesa magnetic field, the pellet 208 is moved from the opposite end of theingredient enclosure 204 to the opening 214. However, other positionsmay be used, such as the pellet 208 positioned in the center of theingredient enclosure 204. In this embodiment, the pellet 208 may besurrounded by the medicament 210. In further embodiments, the ingredientenclosure 204 may include components for relief of back vacuum, such asa relief hole formed in the pellet 208, a pressurized ingredientenclosure 204 or other components such that any vacuum created byexpelling the medicament 210 or by moving the pellet 208 does notprevent the delivery of the medicament 210.

The medicament 210 comprises one or more active ingredients which arecombined with optional dispersants, disintegrators, fillers, granulationagents or lubricants as discussed above. If the active ingredient haslimited water solubility, the particle size of the active ingredient issized so that the medicament 210 will be expelled forcefully through thevacated opening of the assembly into the target area. The medicament 210may be in the form of a liquid, powder, slug, granule, sustained releasegranule or mini-bolus and may be either readily soluble or easilydispersible by the use of various pharmaceutical aids.

Any medicament or growth promotant which an operator desires toadminister to ruminants such as cattle, sheep or goats in a discretenumber of doses over a period of time are suitable active ingredientsfor administration using embodiments described herein. A non-exhaustivelist of possible active ingredients includes anthelmintics such asalbendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole, ivermectin, thiabendazole,mebendazole, cambendazole, pyrantel, morantel or levamisole; antibioticssuch as streptomycin, virginiamycin, a vancomycin-like glycopeptide, atetracycline, any of the penicillin or cephalosporin class or anionophore; sulfa drugs especially sulfamethazine; trace metals necessaryfor metabolism such as selenium, copper, zinc or cobalt; vitamins;hormones or oral vaccines useful in the veterinary field. It will beunderstood by one skilled in the art that the active ingredient, if notreadily water soluble, can be prepared in a readily dispersed formprepared as known to the art and as described herein.

A typical dispersive medicament preparation in the form of a dosageunit, which is useful for charging an active ingredient chamber of aruminant device, comprises finely divided albendazole (1.92 g),polyoxyethylene(20)sorbitan monooleate (0.06 g) and “Centrophase C” (0.2g and which is lecithin plus a wetting agent). Another compositioncontains albendazole powder 70.0% w/w, magnesium stearate 1.0%, starch8.0% and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, 21%. One of either of thesedosage units can be charged into each chamber of a three-chambered unit,described herein, which is set to be released at 10 minutes, 30 days and60 days or any other time interval. The bolus unit is then administeredto cattle which are infected, or liable to infection, with nematodes.

This aspect of the embodiments can achieve a repeat action of themedicament by periodic release of dosage units in the rumeno-reticularsac of ruminants rather than a sustained release of medicament as knownto the art.

Pharmaceutical aids include pharmaceutical fillers such as kaolin,mannitol, a powdered or granulated sugar, dicalcium phosphate, starch,microcrystalline cellulose, lactose or calcium phosphate; binders suchas gelatin, gums or sugars; lubricants such as a metal stearate, a fattyacid, talc, graphite or cocoa butter; or granulating agents such aszein, acacia, tragacanth, gelatin, sodium alginate, a cellulosicderivative or magnesium stearate.

Disintegrators or wicking agents, which are used in the pharmaceuticalart for granulations or tablets, are particularly useful for insuringthat the active ingredient will be expelled from either an initial or adelayed release compartment, the latter after a cap 308 of the delayeddelivery device 304 is displaced by an internal removal means. Suchcompounds include potato starch, cornstarch, “Veegum HV”,methylcellulose, agar, bentonite, sponge material, cation-exchangeresins, alginic acid, guar gum, citrus pulp, carboxymethylcellulose and,especially, sodium starch glycolate. Other agents, such as carbondioxide generating agents, for example sodium bicarbonate-citric acid,may also be used. The disintegrator can be present in from about 2% toabout 10% by weight of formulation which contains the active ingredient.

The delayed delivery device 200 may further comprise a weight 220 tohold the delayed delivery device 200 in position prior to medicamentdelivery. Weight 220 may comprise materials such as sand, bentonite,iron pellets or filings, glass pellets, heavy metal salts such ascalcium sulfate dihydrate, cementitious matter or clay balls, which maybe optionally used when the weight 220 may be either incorporated into awall of any component of the delayed delivery device 200 or distributedwith the medicament 210. The weight 220 should be sufficient to enablethe delayed delivery device 200 to remain in the rumen sack throughoutthe treatment period by itself or as part of the complete bolus whichhas already released earlier units of active ingredient. The entire unitor each delayed action assembly, as the case may be in ruminants, willhave a density which is sufficient to retain the delayed delivery device200 in the rumen until the period of drug delivery is complete. Theweight 220 is not an essential part of the assembly for all applicationsas the medicament and other components may provide sufficient weight toretain the assembly during the course of treatment.

A power coil 212 is disposed around at least a portion of the ingredientenclosure 204. The power coil 212 comprises a conductive materialcapable of generating an electromagnetic field in the ingredientenclosure 204. The electromagnetic field is used to move the pellet 208within the ingredient enclosure 204 to expel the medicament in theingredient enclosure 204. The power coil 212 may include a metal, suchas copper, aluminum, gold, silver, other metals or combinations. Thepower coil 212 can be formed by a wire that is wound in a spiral on theingredient enclosure 204 surface. In another embodiment, the power coil212 can be formed by a thin layer of electrically conductive materialthat has been etched to form the spiral pattern. Electrical wires 222and 224 are connected to the ends of the power coil 212, respectively.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the electronic control device 206,according to embodiments described herein. The electronic control device206 is positioned within the device enclosure 202, such that theelectrical wires 222 and 224 can be electrically connected to theelectronic control device 206. The electronic control device 206comprises one or more components for control of operation and timing forthe delayed delivery device 200. Upon receiving a signal from anexternal source and on further timing input, the electronic controldevice 206 is configured to charge and discharge a capacitor 232 suchthat a short magnetic field is created in the inner region of the powercoils 212, the magnetic field moving the pellet 208.

The components can include a remote switch 226, controlling anelectrical connection between a battery 228 and a logic controller 234.The logic controller 234 can be electrically connected or controlling anelectrical connection with a timer 230, a charge oscillator 236, acapacitor 232 and at least one discharge device 238. The logiccontroller 234 is connected such that the logic controller 234 canactivate and deactivate the discharge from the capacitor 232. Thecapacitor 232 is connected through the discharge devices 238 to a powercoil 212.

The remote switch 226 is a switch that can be activated remotely. In oneembodiment, the remote switch 226 is an electrical switch activated oroperated by an applied magnetic field, such as a reed switch. The remoteswitch 226 may further include an electrical switch activated oroperated through radio waves, such as a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Ficonnection or others. The remote switch 226 is positioned between thebattery 228 and one or more other devices, such that the battery 228 isnot drained while waiting for a signal.

When the remote switch 226 is activated, the remote switch 226 connectsthe battery 228 to the logic controller 234. The logic controller 234controls the charging and the discharge of the capacitor 232 as well asgenerating the timing signals, in conjunction with the timer 230, forthe programmed delivery of the active ingredient. The logic controller234 can be programmed such that specific enclosures can be opened basedon time intervals received from a timer 230. The ingredient enclosure204 affected and the time interval for the specific ingredient enclosure204 can be programmed into the logic controller 234 either prior toadministration of the delayed delivery device 200 or afteradministration.

With the remote switch 226 active, the battery 228 provides electricalcurrent to the electronic control device 206. The battery 228 may be apower source suitable for long term storage at body temperature, such asa lithium ion battery. The battery 228 may be a chemical battery, asolid state battery or others capable of storing sufficient power forthe life of the delayed delivery device 200.

Once power is received from the battery 228, the control logic of thelogic controller 234 activates the timer 230. The timer 230 isconfigured to provide information on one or more timing intervals to thelogic controller 234. The timer 230 holds one or more time-based setpoints for activation of the delayed delivery device 200. Possibletimers which can be adapted for use as the timer 230 include analogclocks, digital clocks, delayed switches or other devices which canprovide activation information after a known period of time. In oneembodiment, the timer 230 comprises a single chip microcontroller whichis essentially a microcomputer containing system timing, internal logic,ROM and input/output necessary to implement the dedicated controlfunctions to initiate the timing periods and then measure the timeperiods and direct sufficient energy from the battery 228 to the chargecontrol 234 to trigger the charging and discharging of the power coil212. The timing interval, for example, may be 10 minutes, 2 weeks, 4weeks and 6 weeks or longer.

Once a designated period of time has passed, the timer 230 sends asignal to the logic controller 234. The logic controller 234, based ontiming and other parameters of the control logic, then directs power tothe charge oscillator 236. The charge oscillator 236 converts the power,delivered as a DC current from the battery 228, to an AC current. The ACcurrent is delivered to the step up transformer 240 to increase voltage.Ending voltage resulting from the step up transformer should be at least100 V, such as 200 V.

Though the remote switch 226 is described here as being remotelyactivated, further interactions with a remote signal may be used in anactivation scheme by the remote switch 226. For example, the remoteswitch 226 may temporarily deactivate the delayed delivery device 200,where the delayed delivery device 200 is active. The delayed deliverydevice 200 may include a timer 230 which is in an active state andcounting is counting down to a specific time point. The delayed deliverydevice 200 may be activated by ingestion, by environmental conditions(such as acidity or temperature), or combinations thereof. In thisembodiment, the remote signal received at the remote switch 206 couldcause a delay in the timer activation, turn on or off specificcomponents of the electronic control device 206 or other controlschemes.

The capacitor 232 receives and accumulates a charge at a point of timeafter the remote switch 226 is activated, such that the power coil 212can be activated. The capacitor 232 is connected with the battery 228,through the charge control 234. The capacitor 232 is capable of holdinga charge at a voltage above 100V, such as a voltage of between 100V and500V. The current spike delivered from the capacitor 232 to the powercoils 212 can be between 100 A and 500 A, such as 200 A.

Once the capacitor 232 is charged, the capacitor 232 can deliver thecharge to one or more of the discharge devices 238. The dischargedevices 238 are device which control the delivery of electrical power toa respective power coil 212. The discharge device 238 can be athyristor, shown here as a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) device. Adischarge device 238 receives a turn on voltage from the logiccontroller 234 at the designated time interval in the control logic. Thevoltage received closes the circuit, allowing power to flow from thecapacitor and through the designated power coil 212. The flow throughthe power coil 212 creates a magnetic field in the ingredient enclosure204.

In one embodiment of operation, delayed delivery device 200 is ingestedby the animal or otherwise positioned in the rumen. Once in the rumenand after a prescribed time period, a user provides an activationsignal. The activation signal, as described above can be in the form ofa magnetic field, radio waves or others. Radio waves can include aBluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection or others. The electroniccontrol device 206 receives the input signals from the remote switch226. The remote switch 226 then closes the circuit, thus activating thetimer 230. The timer 230, after a designated amount of time, sends asignal to the charge control 234. The charge control 234 directs chargefrom the battery 228 to the capacitor 232 to charge the capacitor. Thevoltage of the charge from the battery 228 can be increased through theuse of a step up transformer. Once charged, the capacitor 232 can thenbe discharged through charge control 234. The discharged electricity isdelivered through electrical wires 222 and 224 to the power coil 212.The electric current through the power coil 212 generates a magneticfield that propels the pellet 208 at a high rate of speed toward theopening 214. The medicament 210 is pushed by the pellet 208 towards theopening 214 and the cap 216. The force from the pellet 208 and themedicament 210 creates a pressure on the cap 216, thus forcing the cap216 away from the opening 214 and expelling the medicament 210 into therumen.

Though the delayed delivery device 200 is primarily described as amedium for medicament delivery, the delayed delivery device 200 canalternatively provide one or more secondary functions. In oneembodiment, the power coil 212 may be used as a magnetic antenna forcommunicating with the external source. As discussed below with FIG. 6,the delayed delivery device 200 may further include an electronic IDtag, such that the ruminant may be tracked. The delayed delivery device200 may further be designed to receive remote delivery timingprogramming, such as over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Remote delivery of timingprogramming allows for changes in the dosage delivery scheme, afteractivation of the delayed delivery device 200 and inside of the ruminantanimal. Further, remote delivery of timing programming would allowchanges to be delivered, from any location, without physicalmanipulation of the delayed delivery device 200.

Thus, using the delayed delivery device 200, an active ingredient can bedelivered to the rumen of a ruminant in a time delayed fashion. The userhas primary control of the activation of the delayed delivery device 200through the electronic control device 206. Multiple doses can bedelivered in different time frames or immediately upon receipt of anactivation signal, thus allowing for control of both dose size andtiming. Further, multiple different active ingredients can be deliveredin a controlled fashion as above. Finally, the use of magnetic fieldsallows the ingredient enclosure to be completely sealed, thus reducingcosts and increasing reliability.

FIGS. 3A-3C are side perspective views depicting a capsule unit,according to embodiments described herein. The capsule units provide asafe means for oral delivery of the delayed delivery device, such thatthe ruminant is not injured by the device. Further, the capsule unitprovides an extra layer of protection to prevent premature activation ofthe delayed delivery device, such as by physical perturbation duringmastication or swallowing.

FIG. 3A depicts a capsule unit 300 having end covers 302 formed onto adelayed delivery device 304, according to one embodiment. The delayeddelivery device 304 can be substantially as described with relation toFIGS. 1 and 2. As shown here, the delayed delivery device 304 includesthree ingredient enclosures 306. The ingredient enclosures 306 may besubstantially as described in FIGS. 1, 2 and as will further bedescribed in FIGS. 4A-4E.

The end covers 302 may be composed of a biodegradable material, such asa biodegradable polymeric material, which is known to the pharmaceuticalart, such as hard gelatin, soft gelatin or water soluble cellulosicderivatives such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose or sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose. The term “biodegradable”, as used herein, meansa material which is either soluble in the rumen or otherwise readilydisrupted by rumen content so the immediate dosage unit and delayedaction assemblies are released.

The end covers 302 may contain a medicament 310 including an activeingredient which is available for initial release. Another dosage unitis located in the delayed delivery device 304 for timed release of asecond unit of the active ingredient. The active ingredient may be in aform such that the delivery of the medicament 310 occurs immediately(e.g., the entire quantity of active ingredient in the medicament 310 isavailable at the time of release from the end covers 302) or over aperiod of time (e.g., the active ingredient in the medicament 310 isreleased over a period of time from the end covers 302, such as bydispersion of the medicament 310 in a biodegradable substance). Theactive ingredient in each of the end covers 302 or delayed deliverydevice 304 may be in powder, granule or slug form and may be eitherreadily soluble or easily dispersible by the use of variouspharmaceutical aids, as described above.

Once the end covers 302 have dissolved or otherwise been removed, thedelayed delivery device 304 can then be activated as described above torelease a medicament, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3B depicts a capsule unit 320 having a capsule coating 322positioned over a delayed delivery device 324, according to oneembodiment. The delayed delivery device 324 can be substantially asdescribed with relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown here, the delayeddelivery device 324 includes three ingredient enclosures 326. Theingredient enclosures 326 may be substantially as described in FIGS. 1,2 and as will further be described in FIGS. 4A-4E.

The capsule coating 322 may have substantially the same composition asthe end covers 302, described with reference to FIG. 3A. The capsulecoating 322 may further include a medicament 330 having an activeingredient, as described with reference to FIG. 3A. The medicament 330can completely surround the delayed delivery device 324 or just aportion thereof. As described above, as the capsule coating 322dissolves, a first dose of active ingredient can be delivered throughmedicament 330. The delayed delivery device 324 can then be activated asdescribed above to release a medicament, according to embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3C depicts a capsule unit 340 having a capsule coating 342positioned over a delayed delivery device 344, according to oneembodiment. The delayed delivery device 344 can be substantially asdescribed with relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown here, the delayeddelivery device 344 includes six ingredient enclosures 346. Theingredient enclosures 346 may be substantially as described in FIGS. 1,2 and as will further be described in FIGS. 4A-4E.

The capsule coating 342 may have substantially the same composition asthe end covers 302, described with reference to FIG. 3A. The capsulecoating 342 may further include a medicament 350 having an activeingredient, as described with reference to FIG. 3A. The medicament 350can completely surround the delayed delivery device 344 or surround justa portion thereof. As described above, as the capsule coating 342dissolves, a first dose of active ingredient can be delivered throughmedicament 350.

The delayed delivery device 344 can be activated as described above torelease a medicament, according to embodiments described herein. In thisembodiment, the openings of the ingredient enclosures are directed toboth ends of the device enclosure 348 of the delayed delivery device344. As such, delayed delivery devices, such as delayed delivery device344, may include more ingredient enclosures 346 that are smaller andhence contain smaller doses of active ingredient. However, since thereare more ingredient enclosures 346 more types of medicament can bedelivered, more control of dosage can be achieved or combinationsthereof.

FIGS. 4A-4D are side views of exemplary ingredient enclosurescontemplated herein. The ingredient enclosures can be modified toprovide further benefits, such as handling different formulations ofactive ingredients, controlling retention of the pellet or for otherbenefits as described below.

FIG. 4A depicts an ingredient enclosure 400 having a tether 406,according to one embodiment. As shown here, the ingredient enclosure 400includes a wall 402 and a cap 404, creating a chamber 405. A pellet 408is disposed in the chamber 405 and is attached to the tether 406. Theingredient enclosure 400 may have substantially the same shape andcomposition as the ingredient enclosure 204, described with reference toFIG. 2A. The power coil, such as power coil 212 described with referenceto FIG. 2A, is present in this embodiment but is not shown here forclarity.

The tether 406 can be a string, a spring or other restraint such thatthe pellet 408 is bound to the chamber 405. The tether 406 can be madefrom a non-biodegradable composition, such as a metal or a polymer. Thepellet 408 is accelerated from an origination point to the opening ofthe chamber 405, using the magnetic force of the power coil, asdescribed previously. The pellet expels the medicament by forcing themedicament into contact with the cap 404, thus displacing the cap. Oncethe pellet 408 reaches a critical distance from its origination point,the tether 406 can either prevent further movement or retract the pellet408 to a previous position, preventing the pellet 408 from entering therumen.

The cap 404, shown here, is an internally arranged cap. Thus, a portionof the cap 404 is positioned inside of the chamber 405 and throughfriction, forms a water tight seal. The cap 404 may further include oneor more components to assist in forming the desired friction level andmaintaining a water tight seal, such as a gasket (not shown).

FIG. 4B depicts an ingredient enclosure 420 having a lip 426, accordingto one embodiment. As shown here, the ingredient enclosure 420 includesa wall 422 and a cap 424, creating a chamber 425. A pellet 428 isdisposed in the chamber 425. The ingredient enclosure 420 may havesubstantially the same shape and composition as the ingredient enclosure204, described with reference to FIG. 2A. The power coil, such as powercoil 212 described with reference to FIG. 2A, is present in thisembodiment but is not shown here for clarity.

The lip 426 formed at the opening extending into the inner diameter asufficient distance to prevent the plug from moving past the lip onactivation. The lip 426 may be continuous or discontinuous around the IDof the chamber. The lip may have the same composition as the wall 422.The pellet 428 is accelerated from an origination point to the openingof the chamber 425, using the magnetic force of the power coil, asdescribed previously. The pellet 428 can then expel the medicament. Oncethe pellet 428 reaches the end of the chamber 425, the lip 426 preventsthe pellet 428 from entering the rumen.

FIG. 4C depicts an ingredient enclosure 440 having a launch tube 446,according to one embodiment. As shown here, the ingredient enclosure 440includes a wall 442, creating a chamber 445. A launch tube 446 isdisposed on one end of the chamber having fluid communication therewith.A pellet 448 is disposed in the launch chamber. A medicament 450 ispositioned in the chamber 445. A power coil 444 is positioned around thelaunch tube 446. The ingredient enclosure 440 may have substantiallycomposition as the ingredient enclosure 204, described with reference toFIG. 2A. The power coil 444 may be substantially similar to power coil212 described with reference to FIG. 2A.

The launch tube 446 provides room for acceleration of the pellet 448,thus allowing for a better transfer of force to the medicament 450 andthe cap (not shown). The pellet 448 is accelerated from an originationpoint to the opening of the chamber 445, using the magnetic force of thepower coil 444, as described previously. The pellet 448 expels themedicament 450 on activation and acceleration. Since the medicament 450is a solid dispersion, the pellet 448 is able to directly transfer forceand thus expel the medicament 450.

FIG. 4D depicts an ingredient enclosure 460 having a launch tube 466,according to another embodiment. As shown here, the ingredient enclosure460 includes a wall 462, creating a chamber 465. A launch tube 466 isdisposed on one end of the chamber. A pellet 468 is disposed in thelaunch tube 466. A medicament 470 is positioned in the chamber 465 witha seal 472 separating the medicament 470 from the launch tube 466. Apower coil 464 is positioned around the launch tube 466. The ingredientenclosure 460 may have similar composition as the ingredient enclosure204, described with reference to FIG. 2A. The power coil 464 may besubstantially similar to power coil 212 described with reference to FIG.2A.

The pellet 468 is accelerated from an origination point to the openingof the chamber 465, using the magnetic force of the power coil 464, asdescribed previously. The pellet 468 can then transfer force to the seal472. The seal 472 is then propelled forward to expel the medicament 470and remove the cap. The seal 472 is fluidly sealed with the wall,through the use of a gasket and/or guide (not shown). Thus, the seal 472provides a syringe like motion expelling the liquid medicament 470.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method 500 of delivering an activeingredient, according to embodiments described herein. The method 500includes compartmentalizing an active ingredient in an enclosure, at502; after a time interval, activating a magnetic field generator, at504; delivering a magnetic field from the magnetic field generator tothe enclosure, the magnetic field moving a ferromagnetic pellet, at 506;and expelling the active ingredient from the enclosure, at 508. Bycontrolling release of an active ingredient using a magnetic field, adose of an active ingredient can be delivered at a specific time or atmultiple specific times. This allows for easy dose administration andincreases compliance with the dosing schedule designated by a clinician.Further, the use of magnetic fields allows for a completely sealedcontainer. This reduces complexity of design and reduces the devicefailure rate.

The method 500 begins with compartmentalizing an active ingredient in anenclosure, at 502. The enclosure can be substantially similar in designand composition to the ingredient enclosure 204, described withreference to FIG. 2A. The enclosure can be sealed, such as by havingsealed walls coming together to form an opening. A cap can then bepositioned in the opening, creating a breakable seal. The enclosure canfurther include an active ingredient. The active ingredient may beselected from possible active ingredients described herein or others.Further, the enclosure or components therein can be configured torespond to a magnetic field, such as through the use of a ferromagneticpellet or through the use of ferromagnetic colloidal dispersion with theactive ingredient.

After a time interval, a magnetic field generator can be activated, at504. The magnetic field generator can be any device capable ofdelivering a magnetic field to the enclosure, such that the activeingredients or other components are moved toward the opening of theenclosure. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator is a powercoil and a power source, as described above. The magnetic fieldgenerator is positioned such that the magnetic field is delivered to theenclosure. The magnetic field generator can be activated based on aprogrammed parameter, such as time, location, or a specific event. Inone embodiment, the magnetic field generator is activated upon receivinga magnetic field. In another embodiment the magnetic field generator isactivated upon entering the rumen of an animal, such as based onmaintenance of a specific temperature.

The magnetic field can then be delivered from the magnetic fieldgenerator to the enclosure, at 506. The generated magnetic field is thendelivered to the component which is configured to respond to a magneticfield. In embodiments using a ferromagnetic pellet, the ferromagneticpellet is propelled toward the active ingredient. Thus, the magneticfield moves the active ingredient towards the opening of the enclosure.The active ingredient is then expelled from the enclosure, at 508. Themagnetic field delivers the active ingredient and the pellet to theopening and the cap. The pressure from the active ingredient and thepellet dislodge the cap, thus breaking the seal on the enclosure. Theactive ingredients then are expelled into the rumen. One or moreweights, as described above, may also be expelled with the activeingredient. Thus, the magnetic field is used to deliver the activeingredient in a time dependent and dose dependent fashion. Thus, themethod described herein reduces error and unintentional non-compliance.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an animal management device 600,according to embodiments described herein. The animal management device600 includes an electronics portion 602, a base portion 604, and a cap606. Collectively, the base portion 604 and the cap 606 define aninterior region for housing the electronics portion 602.

The base portion 604 may comprise a metal, a magnetized material, or apermanent magnet. The base portion 604 may be used to collect foreignmetal from an animal and reduce or eliminate metal disease. In addition,the base portion 604 may be used as a weight to keep the animalmanagement device 600 within the animal. The base portion 604 maycomprise more than fifty percent of the animal management device 600 toprovide weight such that the animal management device 600 remains in theanimal.

The outer dimensions of the animal management device 600 are, forexample, about 4 inches in length and about 0.75 inches in diameter. Thesize of the animal management device 600 may be dictated by the size ofthe animal in which it will be inserted. The above embodiments areexemplary and not intended to be limiting of possible sizes. The outerdimensions of the animal management device 600 may be any dimensions atwhich the device may be safely inserted into an animal.

The electronics portion 602 includes a short range transceiver 608 runtogether with a computer processing unit (CPU) with memory 610 to storeanimal management information and a small antenna 612 to transmit animalmanagement information. Examples of stored information include, but arenot limited to, an identification number for an animal, vaccinationschedules and unique disease information. The electronics portion 602further includes a battery (not pictured). The CPU and memory 610 mayadditionally run an application code, which executes the describedoperations. The application code may also be run on a mobile device orcomputer to manage communications with the animal management device andprovide updates to the animal management device remotely.

In operation, the electronics portion 602 is used to communicate thestored information with an external device, such as a mobile device,tablet, or computer. For example, the electronics portion 602 includes aradio device used to communicate location information of a specificanimal, or multiple animals in a range, to a user. The user maydynamically change the range or view a strength indicator as the userroams the field. A communication range of the radio device may beadjusted from about 3 feet to about 50 feet or more. The received signalstrength in the animal management device 600 is proportional to thedistance between the user and the animal management device 600, suchthat the distance between the user and the animal management device 600may be calculated to determine the rough location of the animal.

The electronics portion 602 may further include a global positioningsystem (GPS) device to provide location information of the animal, whichis used to determine location information at intermittent or regularlyscheduled intervals, such as twice daily, which is then stored in theelectronics portion 602. In operation, the animal management device 600will be in sleep mode and only wake up at intervals set by the user topreserve battery life. The intervals may, for example, be based on theactivity of the animal or predetermined set time intervals. The batteryis designed to last the lifetime of the animal, with the intervals setby the user being taken into consideration.

After data has been stored in the electronics portion 602, the user maydownload or synchronize the data with a cloud or local computer-basedanimal management database using Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi technologyor any other wireless communication method. The stored information maythen be accessed by the user anywhere. For example, the user may accessstored tracking information on a map for analysis.

The above described animal management device 600 may be used topermanently store animal management information, such as location andvaccine information, over the lifetime of the animal in a cost efficientand animal-friendly manner. Since the animal management device 600 maystore a unique animal identification number, stolen animals may beidentified and returned to their rightful owner. As an additionalbenefit, the animal management device 600 may reduce or eliminate theneed for brand inspectors and ultimately may eliminate the need forbranding altogether.

As described above in the descriptions of FIGS. 1 and 2, the animalmanagement device 600, or portions thereof, may be combined with orincorporated into any of the devices described herein, such as devices100, 200, 304, 324, and 344, to allow the devices to have both medicinedelivery and animal management information storage capabilities. Forexample, portions of the animal management device, such as theelectronics portion, may be incorporated into the electronic controldevice 106 or 206 such that the device 100 or 200 functions as amedicine delivery system and stores animal management informationsimultaneously.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a method 700 of animal management,according to embodiments described herein. At operation 710, the animalmanagement device 600 is inserted into an animal. Insertion into theanimal is facilitated by the size of the animal management device. Priorto operation 710, the animal management device 600 may be programmed tostore animal management information at intermittent or predeterminedtime intervals. At operation 720, a signal is transmitted from a user tothe animal management device 600. For example, the signal may includeinstruction to provide animal management information, such as locationinformation, on demand or at predetermined intervals. The signal isreceived by the short range transceiver 608. Once the animal managementinformation is attained by the animal management device 600, the animalmanagement information may be stored in the electronics portion 602. Atoperation 730, a user receives the animal management information whichhas been stored by the animal management device 600.

An alternative method of animal management may include programming theanimal management device 600 to store animal management information,inserting the animal management device 600 into an animal, andtransmitting a request to the animal management device 600 for thestored animal management information. The programming of the animalmanagement device 600 may be modified to store or transmit variousanimal management information at intermittent or predetermined intervals

FIGS. 8A-8D are multiple views of a delayed delivery device 800 fordelivering an ingredient to an animal according to embodiments describedherein. FIG. 8A shows a side perspective view of the delayed deliverydevice 800, and FIGS. 8B-8D show side perspective views of internalcomponents of the delayed delivery device 800. The delayed deliverydevice 800 includes an enclosure 802, such as an ingredient disclosure,that defines an interior region 804 and a delivery opening 806. Inparticular, the enclosure 802 includes one or more walls 808 orpartitions formed therein to define multiple interior regions 804, eachhaving a delivery opening 806.

As the device 800 is used to deliver medicine or active ingredient(s),the active ingredient is inserted and contained within the interiorregions 804, and later dispensed from the interior regions 804 throughthe delivery openings 806. As discussed above, the active ingredient maybe in liquid form and/or granular or pellet form. The interior regions804 are shown as having substantially the same size and shape as eachother in this embodiment, but the present disclosure is not so limited.For example, the interior regions 804 may have different sizes withrespect to each other, such as to deliver different amounts or types ofactive ingredients from each interior region 804.

A cap 810 (e.g., a stopper) is removably inserted or positioned intoeach of the delivery openings 806 to seal the delivery openings 806 andcontain the active ingredient within each of the interior regions 804.The cap 810 is removable from the delivery opening 806, such as throughmovement of a pellet 812 to deliver the active ingredient from theinterior region 804 through the delivery opening 806. A pellet 812,which includes or is formed from a ferromagnetic material, is movablypositioned within each interior region 804 of the enclosure 802.Further, in this embodiment, an engagement member 814, such as a rod asshown, is positioned between the pellet 812 and the cap 810 within eachinterior region 804. The engagement member 814 is used to move andengage the cap 810 when the pellet 812 moves within the interior region804. As the engagement member 814 engages the cap 810, the engagementmember 814 pushes the cap 810 from the delivery opening 806, therebyenabling the active ingredient contained in the interior region 804 tobe delivered from the enclosure 804 and into an animal.

As with the above embodiments, the delayed delivery device 800 mayutilize a magnetic field to move and drive the pellets 812 within theenclosure 802. For example, a power coil 816 is included in the device800 for each pellet 812 to move and drive the pellets 812 in therespective interior regions 804. The power coils 816 are electricallyconnected to an electronic control device (discussed more below) thatincludes a power source to selectively and independently provide powerfrom the power source to the power coils 816. As power is provided toeach power coil 816, the power coil 816 generates a magnetic field thatinteracts with the pellet 812 to move the pellet 812 in the device 800.As the pellet 812 then moves within the device 800, the pellet 812 movesthe respective engagement member 814 to engage the cap 810.

Referring still to FIGS. 8A-8D, the delayed delivery device 800 includesa base plate 818 positioned in each interior region 804, such as todefine a pellet chamber 820 and an ingredient chamber 822 within theinterior region 804. The pellet 812 is movably positioned in the pelletchamber 820 with the active ingredient positioned within the ingredientchamber 822. Further, in an embodiment in which the pellet chamber 820is not sealed from the ingredient chamber 822, the active ingredient mayalso be contained or flow at least partially into the pellet chamber820.

The base plate 818, as shown, includes an aperture 824 formedtherethrough, such as formed in a center of the base plate 818. Theengagement member 814 extends through the aperture 824 between thepellet chamber 820 and the ingredient chamber 822. The engagement member814 is used to engage a center of the cap 810, and the aperture 824 maybe used to support and direct the engagement member 814 to engage thecenter of the cap 810. Further, though not shown here, the cap 810 mayinclude a tapered edge in one or more embodiments. For example, the edgeof the cap 810 that engages the enclosure 802 when inserted into thedelivery opening 806 may be tapered. This may facilitate removal andejection of the cap 810 from the delivery opening 806 when theengagement member 814 engages the cap 810, particularly if the cap 810is able to deform when the engagement member 814 engages the cap 810.The cap 810 may include or be formed from an elastomeric material (e.g.,rubber), in which the cap 810 may elastically deform when engaged by theengagement member 814 to facilitate removal of the cap 810 from thedelivery opening 806.

In this embodiment, the enclosure 802 includes a launch tube 826 foreach corresponding pellet 812. The launch tube 826 includes or has across-sectional shape corresponding to or complementing thecross-sectional shape of the pellet 812 to facilitate movement anddirection of the pellet 812 within the launch tube 826. Thus, the launchtube 826 and the pellet 812 are not limited only to a circularcross-sectional shape, as shown in the present application. The launchtube 826 is shown positioned in the interior region 804, and morespecifically within the pellet chamber 820, with the pellet 812 movablypositioned within the launch tube 826. The power coil 816 is thenpositioned about or within the interior region 804, and morespecifically positioned about or within the launch tube 826, for themagnetic field from the power coil 816 to interact with the pellet 812.

The engagement member 814 is shown as connected to the pellet 812 forthe engagement member 814 to move with the pellet 812. Alternatively,the engagement member 814 may only be positioned between the pellet 812and the cap 810 such that, when the pellet 812 moves, the pellet 812engages the engagement member 814 (e.g., engages a base of theengagement member 814), with the engagement 814 moving to engage the cap810.

In one or more embodiments, a biasing mechanism 828 may be includedwithin the delayed delivery device 800, such as to apply a biasing forceagainst the pellet 812. The biasing mechanism 828 is shown as positionedwithin the interior region 804, and more particularly within the launchtube 826, between the pellet 812 and the base plate 818. In anembodiment in which the biasing mechanism 828 includes a spring, asshown, the biasing mechanism 828 may be positioned about the engagementmember 814 with the engagement member 814 extending through the biasingmechanism 828. The pellet 812 is movable between an initial position andan engaged position. In this embodiment, in the initial position, thepellet 812 is shown at a distal end of the launch tube 826 with respectto the delivery opening 806, and in the engaged position, the pellet 812moves towards a proximal end of the launch tube 826 with respect to thedelivery opening 806 for the engagement member 814 to engage the cap810. The power coil 816 is used to move the pellet 812 from the initialposition to the engaged position, and the biasing mechanism 828 is usedto move the pellet 812 from the engaged position to the initialposition. If the pellet 812 is moved towards the engaged position and isnot able to remove the cap 810 from the delivery opening 806, thebiasing mechanism 828 is able to move the pellet 812 back towards theinitial position to re-attempt to remove or dislodge the cap 810 fromthe delivery opening 806.

As discussed above, a delayed delivery device in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein may be used to deliver a medicine or activeingredient to the stomach of an animal, such as a ruminant animal.However, the present application is not so limited, as a delayeddelivery device may be used in other types of animals, such asnon-ruminant animals, and may be used to deliver an active ingredient toother portions of an animal, such as under the skin of the animal (e.g.,subcutaneous). Accordingly, FIGS. 9A-9D are multiple views of a delayeddelivery device 900 for delivering an ingredient, such assubcutaneously, to an animal according to embodiments described herein.Further, though the present application is not so limited, forperspective the delayed delivery device 900 shown in FIGS. 9A-9D is 5 in(12.7 cm) in length and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) in thickness.

As with the above embodiments, particularly the delayed delivery device800, the delayed delivery device 900 includes an enclosure 902 withmultiple interior regions 904 and a cap 910 removably inserted into eachdelivery opening 906 of the enclosure 902. A base plate 918 ispositioned in each interior region 904 to define a pellet chamber 920and an ingredient chamber 922 with a pellet 912 positioned in the pelletchamber 920 and the ingredient chamber 922 used to contain the activeingredient. In particular, each pellet 912 is movably positioned withina launch tube 926 with a biasing mechanism 928 positioned within eachlaunch tube 926 between the pellet 912 and the base plate 918. Anengagement member 914 is coupled or connected to each pellet 912 withthe engagement member 914 extending through an aperture 924 of the baseplate 918 between the pellet 912 and the cap 910. A power coil 916 ispositioned within the interior region 904 and about each pellet 912 toprovide a magnetic field that will move the pellet 912 within theenclosure 902.

Further, as with the above embodiments, the delayed delivery device 900includes an electronic control device 930 electrically connected to thepower coils 916 to selectively and independently control the power coils916, and thus selectively and independently control the pellets 912corresponding to each of the power coils 916. The electronic controldevice 930, as shown, includes a power source, such as a battery 932and/or a capacitor 934 corresponding to each power coil 916 or pellet912. The electronic control device 930 further includes an electronicsboard 936, such as a printed circuit board, with the power coils 916 andthe power source electrically connected to each other through the board936. A processing unit that has memory (e.g., a storage chip, an SDmemory, or a flash memory) may also be included with the electroniccontrol device 930, such as on the electronics board 936. In addition,an antenna and/or other communications device or chip (e.g., a Bluetoothchip) may be included on or electrically connected to the electronicsboard 936 to enable wireless communication with the electronic controldevice 930.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a delayed delivery devicemay include or be used with a sensor to measure a physiologicalparameter of an animal. For example, with reference to FIGS. 9A-9D, asensor may be included within or operably coupled to the delayeddelivery device 900. In such embodiments, the sensor is electricallyconnected to the electronic control device 930, such as through theelectronics board 936, to control the sensor, to store the measuredphysiological parameters from the sensor (e.g., in the memory), and/orto communicate the measured physiological parameters (e.g., with theantenna).

The sensor may be used to measure a physiological parameter of theanimal, which may include, but is not limited to, the pressure,temperature, conductivity, pH valve, and/or ammonia of the animal. Inone embodiment, the sensor may be included within the enclosure 902 ofthe delayed delivery device 900 to be in fluid communication with theanimal through the interior region 904 or the ingredient chamber 922.Alternatively, the sensor may be positioned within a separate sensorchamber within the enclosure 902 that is fluidly sealed from theinterior region 904 or the ingredient chamber 922. The sensor chambermay then be in fluid communication (e.g., through a port or apertureformed through the enclosure 902) with an exterior of the enclosure 902to measure the physiological parameter of the animal through theenclosure 902. As the delayed delivery device 900 may be embeddedsubcutaneously within the animal, as opposed to within a stomach of theanimal, this may enable the sensor to more accurately measure thephysiological parameter of the animal. Further, the subcutaneouslocation of the delayed delivery device 900 may facilitate communicationwith the delayed delivery device 900, as the antenna or communicationdevice will be located closer to the surface of the animal.

A sensor is discussed above with respect to the subcutaneous embodimentin FIGS. 9A-9D, but the present disclosure is not so limited, as asensor may be included within any embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, a sensor may be included within a delayed delivery deviceused to be positioned within the stomach or rumen of an animal inaccordance with the present disclosure, such as to measure thetemperature of the animal.

In an embodiment in which a sensor is used to measure a temperature ofan animal, such as in a stomach or rumen embodiment, a subcutaneousembodiment, or any other embodiment in accordance with the presentdisclosure, the sensor may be fluidly sealed from fluids or interactionwith the animal. For example, the sensor may be positioned and/orfluidly sealed within the delayed delivery device. However, the sensormay be thermally coupled with fluids or interaction with the animal,such as through the use of a thermally conductive material includedwithin the delayed delivery device. A thermally conductive material,such as a thermally conductive plastic or a material having thermallyconductive fibers (e.g., metal) positioned therein, may be used tofacilitate thermal conduction and communication between an exterior andan interior of the delayed delivery device. The thermally conductivematerial, which may have a lower thermal resistivity compared to othermaterials used within the enclosure of the delayed delivery device,would be in direct contact or communication with fluids or anotherportion of the animal. The sensor may then be in direct contact orcommunication with the thermally conductive material such that thetemperature of the animal is communicated to the sensor through thethermally conductive material. Thus, by measuring the temperature ofthermally conductive material, the sensor may be able to measure thetemperature of the animal while being fluidly sealed from fluids orinteraction with the animal but still being thermally coupled to or incommunication with the animal.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a side view of a delayed delivery system 1000according to embodiments described herein is shown. The delayed deliverysystem 1000 may be similar to the delayed delivery system 900. However,in this embodiment, the caps 1010, delivery openings 1006, and interiorregions 1004 are oriented in opposite directions with respect to eachother, thereby enabling an active ingredient contained within theinterior regions 1004 to be delivered in opposite directions withrespect to each other. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.9A-9D, as the caps 910, delivery openings 906, and interior regions 904are oriented in the same direction with respect to each other, gravitywill similarly affect (e.g., assist or work against) the delivery of theactive ingredient from the delayed delivery system 900. Alternatively,in the embodiment in FIG. 10, gravity will oppositely affect thedelivery of the active ingredient from one delivery opening 1006 withrespect to the other from the delayed delivery system 1000.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, multiple views of a delayed deliverydevice 1100 for delivering an ingredient to an animal according toembodiments described herein are shown. In the above embodiments, inparticular with the delayed delivery device 800 and the delayed deliverydevice 900, an engagement member is used to engage a cap to remove thecap from a delivery opening of the delayed delivery device. However, thepresent disclosure is not so limited, and may include other embodimentsthat do not include an engagement member.

Accordingly, FIGS. 11A-11C show the delayed delivery device 1100,similar to the delayed delivery device 900, but without an engagementmember in this embodiment. The delayed delivery device 1100 includes anenclosure 1102 with multiple interior regions 1104 and a cap 1110removably inserted into each delivery opening 1106 of the enclosure1102. A pellet 1112 is positioned within each interior region 1104 withthe pellet 1112 connected to the cap 1110 and/or positioned directlyadjacent to the cap 1110. For example, the pellet 1112 is connected tothe cap 1110 in this embodiment such that the pellet 1112 and cap 1110move together with respect to each other (e.g., are stationary or arenot movable with respect to each other). However, in another embodiment,the pellet 1112 and the cap 1110 may be positioned directly adjacent toeach other but movable with respect to each other. In such anembodiment, the pellet 1112 and the cap 1110 may or may not be tetheredto each other.

A power coil 1116 associated with each pellet 1112 is positioned aboutor within the interior region 1104. The power coil 1116 at leastpartially overlaps with or is positioned about the pellet 1112 and/orthe cap 1110. For example, as the pellet 1112 is shown as positioned atthe proximal end of the interior region 1104 with respect to thedelivery opening 1106, the power coil 1116 associated with each pellet1112 is also positioned at the proximal end of the interior region 1104with respect to the delivery opening 1106. When power is supplied to thepower coil 1116, the power coil 1116 generates a magnetic field tointeract with and move the pellet 1112. As the pellet 1112 is connectedto and/or positioned directly adjacent the cap 1110 (e.g., without anyactive ingredient positioned between the pellet 1112 and the cap 1110),the pellet 1112 directly engages the cap 1110 to apply a force againstthe cap 1110. This enables the pellet 1112 to push and remove the cap1110 from the delivery opening 1106, along with the pellet 1112, todeliver the active ingredient from the interior region 1104.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a delayed delivery devicemay be used for providing multiple injections or scheduled vaccinationsfor an animal. For example, a first vaccination may be provided to ananimal when a delayed delivery device is installed within an animal. Thedelayed delivery device may then be used to provide one or moreadditional injections or vaccinations to the animal at predeterminedtimes or intervals. For tick control of an animal, two additionalvaccinations are usually required with each vaccination requiringbetween 1 to 3 mL. Thus, the delayed delivery device, such as thedelayed delivery devices 900 or 1100, may be used to provide the twoadditional vaccinations at separate instances. The first additionalvaccination may be provided or delivered at a first predeterminedinterval (e.g., twenty-eight days later) after the initial vaccination,and the second additional vaccination may be provided or delivered at asecond predetermined interval (e.g., six months later) after the initialvaccination or the first additional vaccination.

Further, in one or more embodiments multiple delayed delivery devicesmay be used within an animal. For example, a delayed delivery device inaccordance with the present disclosure may be positioned within thestomach or rumen of an animal to deliver oral treatments, and anotherdelayed delivery device in accordance with the present disclosure may bepositioned subcutaneously within the animal to deliver injections orvaccinations. This may provide the advantage that an individual may relyon the delayed delivery devices to provide regularly scheduledtreatments and vaccinations to the animal, with the individual thenneeding to only periodically (e.g., once a year) check the animals, suchas to refill or change out the delayed delivery devices. In such anembodiment, the delayed delivery devices may be able to communicate witheach other, such as for data storage and/or control of each other.

As discussed above, a delayed delivery device in accordance with thepresent disclosure may be used to collect and/or store data with respectto the animal that the device is positioned within. For example, adelayed delivery device may be used to collect location based data withrespect to the animal, such as through the use of a GPS or similartracking device included within the delayed delivery device, and/or maybe used to collect physiological or health related data with respect tothe animal, such as through the use of a sensor included within thedelayed delivery device.

Further, the electronics portion or the electronic control device of thedelayed delivery device may be able to store the data and/or communicatethe data from the delayed delivery device. In one embodiment, thedelayed delivery device is able to communicate wirelessly, such as usingBluetooth technology, Wi-Fi technology, cellular technology (e.g.,through the use of a cellular network), or any other wireless technologyor communication method. The subcutaneous embodiment of the delayeddelivery device for instance, shown in FIGS. 9A-9D at least,advantageously may facilitate wireless communication with the delayeddelivery device while also providing protection by being embeddedunderneath the skin of the animal. For example, by having the delayeddelivery device embedded subcutaneously within the animal, the wirelessantenna or electronics portion of the delayed delivery device will haveless interference for communication, as compared to a delayed deliverydevice included within the stomach or rumen of an animal. Thisfacilitates communication with and control of the delayed deliverydevice. However, the present disclosure contemplates using wirelesscommunication with all embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure (such as installed subcutaneously or within the rumen of ananimal), in which multiple or different wireless frequencies (Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, cellular, or otherwise) used to communicate with otherelectronics may be used within embodiments of the present disclosure.Further, by having the delayed delivery device embedded subcutaneouslywithin the animal, this provides additional protection and containmentfor the delayed delivery device, as compared to a tracking deviceincluded externally on the animal. An ear tag, for example, may beincluded externally on an animal for tracking purposes. However, such anexternal tracking device may be lost or easily damaged, as compared to asubcutaneous delayed delivery device in accordance with the presentdisclosure, as the animal may even chew on or bite off the externaltracking device (e.g., ear tag).

As discussed above, a user may download and access stored location baseddata or tracking information of one or more animals, such as on a mapfor analysis, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. For example, a cellular network may be used to communicatewith the delayed delivery devices installed within one or more animalsto receive the current and/or historical locations of each of theanimals. The delayed delivery devices may each be able to save locationbased data for each animal, such as at predetermined time intervals(e.g., every 12 or 24 hours), in which this location based data for eachanimal may be retrieved wirelessly from the delayed delivery devices.This location based data may be overlaid on a map, for instance, toexamine or optimize the location of the animals individually orcollectively.

In one embodiment, it may be desired to create a barrier or wall withthe animals, such as for purposes of pest control or containment, inwhich the location based data will facilitate such positioning of theanimals. With respect to the pest control (e.g., for ticks) discussedabove, the animals may be positioned to facilitate containment orspreading of the pests with respect to a predetermined area. An animalusing a delayed delivery device in accordance with the presentdisclosure may be supplied with medicine or other active ingredient notonly for immunization or treatment, but also to control or kill suchpests when in proximity of such pests. Thus, knowing that an animal hasa delayed delivery device in accordance with the present disclosure, theanimal may be deployed or positioned within an area that has a highcontamination of pests for the animal to attract the pests, and thensubsequently control and kill such pests. When used in conjunction withadditional animals also having delayed delivery devices, the animals maybe used to create a barrier or virtual wall for the pest control byusing selective positioning of the animals (e.g., along a property lineto prevent contamination of pests across the property line). As such,the location based data received from the delayed delivery devices ofsuch animals may be used to facilitate positioning of the animals oradding additional with respect to the desired pest control.

Described herein are devices for delayed delivery of an activeingredient. The devices include an electronic control which can power apower coil. The power coil provides a magnetic field to an ingredientenclosure such that the active ingredient can be expelled. Theelectronic control further includes a timer, such that medicine can bedelivered at a distant period of time. Further, multiple ingredientenclosures can be used thus allowing for time controlled release of afull active ingredient regimen.

Also described herein are devices for storing animal managementinformation, which may stand alone or may be combined with the devicesfor delayed delivery of an active ingredient. The devices include anelectronics portion, a base portion, and a cap. The electronics portionincludes a transceiver for sending and receiving animal managementinformation, a CPU with memory for storing the animal managementinformation, and an antenna. The base portion comprises a magneticmaterial for reducing metal disease and holding the animal managementdevice in place in the animal. The devices may further include abattery, which is designed to last the lifetime of the animal and a GPSdevice, which may regularly or intermittently provide locationinformation of the animal.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A delayed ingredient delivery device, comprising:an enclosure defining an interior region and a delivery opening; a baseplate comprising an aperture and positioned in the interior region todefine a pellet chamber and an ingredient chamber; a cap removablyinserted into the delivery opening to seal the delivery opening, thedelivery opening being formed in the ingredient chamber; a pelletcomprising a ferromagnetic material and movably positioned in the pelletchamber of the interior region; an engagement member positioned betweenthe pellet and the cap and extending through the aperture between thepellet chamber and the ingredient chamber to move and engage the capwhen the pellet moves in the interior region; an electronic controldevice comprising a power source; and a power coil electricallyconnected with the power source to generate a magnetic field and movethe pellet in the interior region.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theengagement member comprises a rod.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein theengagement member is connected to the pellet.
 4. The device of claim 1,further comprising a biasing mechanism positioned within the interiorregion to apply a biasing force against the pellet.
 5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein: the biasing mechanism comprises a spring; and theengagement member extends through the spring.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the engagement member is configured to engage a center of thecap.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a tapered edge.8. The device of claim 1, wherein the power coil is positioned withinthe interior region.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein: the interiorregion comprises a launch tube formed therein; the pellet is movablypositioned in the launch tube; and the power coil is positioned aroundthe launch tube.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an activeingredient positioned within the interior region.
 11. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to measure aphysiological parameter of an animal.
 12. The device of claim 11,wherein: the physiological parameter comprises pressure, temperature,conductivity, pH value, or ammonia content of the animal; and the sensoris connected to memory to store the measured physiological parameterfrom the sensor.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein: the sensor ispositioned and fluidly sealed within the enclosure; the enclosurecomprises a thermally conductive material; and the sensor is thermallycoupled to the thermally conductive material to measure a temperature ofthe animal through the thermally conductive material.
 14. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic control device further comprises: atimer; an activation switch electrically connected with the timer; and adischarge device electrically connected with the power source.
 15. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the interior region, the cap, and thedelivery opening are one of a plurality of interior regions, caps, anddelivery openings.
 16. A delayed ingredient delivery device, comprising:an enclosure defining an interior region and a delivery opening; a capremovably inserted into the delivery opening to seal the deliveryopening; a base plate comprising an aperture and positioned in theinterior region to define a pellet chamber and an ingredient chamber; apellet movably positioned in the pellet chamber; and an engagementmember positioned between the pellet and the cap that extends throughthe aperture to move and engage the cap when the pellet moves in thepellet chamber.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the pellet comprisesa ferromagnetic material, the device further comprising: an electroniccontrol device comprising a power source; and a power coil electricallyconnected with the power source to generate a magnetic field and movethe pellet in the interior region.
 18. The device of claim 1, whereinthe electronic control device includes an electronics board, the powersource, and an antenna for wireless communication.
 19. The device ofclaim 16, further comprising an electronic control device including anelectronics board, a power source, and an antenna for wirelesscommunication.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein the interior region,the cap, and the delivery opening are one of a plurality of interiorregions, caps, and delivery openings.
 21. The device of claim 16,further comprising a biasing mechanism positioned within the interiorregion and between the base plate and the pellet to apply a biasingforce against the pellet.